Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.

When we experience life’s challenges—times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend—Stephen Ministers provide the emotional and spiritual care needed. Those challenges—crisis or difficulties—include loss of a loved one, hospitalization, divorce or separation, loneliness or discouragement, spiritual crisis, unemployment, job crisis, terminal illness, incarceration, aging, birth, adoption, chronic illness, relocation, recovery after an accident or disaster, and many more.

Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry. The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remain private.

A Stephen Minister is…
… a child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting.
… a congregation member with gifts for caregiving who was carefully selected to serve in this role.
… a lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care, extending the care that our pastors continue to provide.
… a caring Christian friend who listens, explores feelings, prays, supports and encourages. He/She shows God’s mercy and compassion to those who are hurting and attends to the caregiving process and leaves the results to God.
… a person who meets faithfully with his/her Care Receiver for about an hour each week, for as long as there is a need.

Hope’s members play an important role in Stephen Ministry. They pray for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people through Stephen Ministry. They accept care from a Stephen Minister during their time of need. God doesn’t expect us to bear our burdens alone.

The confidential care is free and very helpful. If you could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister or have any questions, talk with Ruth Dobson